Written for the beginning guitarist who loves the blues, this text will guide any student through the basis of playing guitar by using blues melodies and blues chord progressions. Students will learn open chords, common strumming patterns, power chords, blues scales, and how to read standard notation, and tab. An effective method for writing original blues lyrics is also provided. This text has lessons on correct posture, caring for the guitar, proper right and left-hand technique, and tuning the guitar to its self, a pitch pipe or a piano. The accompanying CD provides students a professional recording of tunes and exercises that should be used as a practice tool.

CONTENTS

Introduction Parts of the Guitar Holding Position Tuning Reading the Music Diagrams Music Fundamentals Strum Bars First Chords Blues in the Key of D Blues in the Key of E Ain't No Cure Strum Patterns Baby Don't Love Me Ain't Got a Nickel Building the Blues Set Me Free Minor Blues Sun Won't Shine How to Read Standard Notation Standard Notation in First Position Notes on the First String Notes on the Second String Mama's Cookin' No Time to Practice Blues I Got No Money Notes on the Third String Notes on the Fourth String Seven Minus Three Dark Side of a Dream Freezing Point Notes on the Fifth String Double Trouble Notes on the Sixth String Long Road Home Cry, Baby Things Ain't the Same Power Chords Add the Sixth Tablature Minor Pentatonic and Blues Scales Blues E Blues A Moveable Minor Pentatonic Scale Summer Blues, Summer Not I Know What You Mean Writing Blues Lyrics Writing Your Own Blues Song Common Blues Chords